You must know by now that MITA promotes masonry and teams up with high schools to get young people started on pathways to masonry careers, right?  Give a big thanks to MITA’s Board of Directors who supported the SkillsUSA California 2015 event in San Diego this year too! Some 250 high school students came in from around the state to San Diego for statewide regionals with hopes to qualify for the national SkillsUSA Championships. Many thanks to RCP Block & Brick Architectural Representatives Gina Adams and Craig Finch, and HC Muddox Gary Smith who sponsored supplies and materials. Huge thanks to our esteemed experts in our industry who participated as Judges: Contractor Randy Baker of RW Baker Company, Carlos Padilla of Modern Masonry, Alex Lopez Escondido UHSD Masonry Instructor, and highlighted guest speaker and judge Dave Ratynski of DNS Masonry. Outstanding MITA Apprentice Aaron Ferreira of Williams & Sons Masonry volunteered as judge’s assistant and tender for the competitors. The most important thing on the jobsite is safety, right? Smart Safety Group Safety Engineer Armando Andrade and Jobsiste Supply Co. Safety Specialist Tony Bonilla provided overisght and safety on projects including hard hats for students in need, thank you! AGC San Diego’s Jack Chapel was the Skills Building Trades Technical Advisor Chairman providing leadership for all crafts throughout the entire week. See the photos click here.